Wednesday, September 29, 2010

It has taken me 2 weeks to post these because I have been waiting for 2 final details... the turquoise curtains for her closet and the 2 Zebra Euro pillow shams for her bed. Maybe if I go ahead and post her room's final pictures, they will show up tomorrow at the front door!

I wanted to take an opportunity to display all the people that Addie loves in her room so I found this metal string with magnets to display all her friends and family.

I think Addie's hat collection at 2 years old is fun so I hung 9 silver hooks to use them as decoration (there are 3 more over her door.)

I found black and white zebra door knobs for her bookshelf toy drawers.

The highlight of her new room is her very own Reading and Play corner. I remember as a young child loving to make tents so I devised a way for Addie to have one all the time. These 2 white sheer panels close all the way to give her a special place to relax and is plenty big enough to have her brother in there reading with her every night.

I love this "floating bookshelf" I found to hold some of her favorite books and it can also double as a night stand next to her bed.

Where's Addie... there she is!

We love spending time in Addie's new room and know she does to... over the last 2 weeks, it has become the central head quarters for the household! ;) I couldn't be happier (unless I had those shams and curtains!!!)

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Nearly 3 weeks ago, Addie's BIG GIRL BED ARRIVED and it was time for her to see it. In anticipation for the big event we had been talking about for a couple of weeks, she had stayed dry at night for an ENTIRE WEEK for the very first time!

She took a second to take it all in...

Then the smiles came...

She wanted to curl up with her babies and wanted them all by her side!

Knock on wood, Addie has done superbly in her new bed for the 3 weeks. She hasn't gotten out of bed once... let's hope that continues. Soon Addie got to show her BFF her brand new BIG GIRL BED.... I love this picture!

Monday, September 27, 2010

So when Blake said, "Let's Do It!" I quickly became obsessed with every single detail down to the new knobs on her book shelf drawers. I was spending hours on the Internet until 2AM a couple of nights making final decisions while at the same time trying to sell a ton of stuff in her nursery to break even on this little upgrade!

For the record, I am not crazy to think that Addie even cares about her room and I know she will think I am crazy when she finds out how much thought, energy and planning went into her room at 2 years of age, when she is a mom one day. But it is one of the things in life like the kids birthday parties and such that I absolutely love and couldn't think of doing half way. Blake and I have an awesome habit of having extremely elaborate things that we do ourselves every time when decorating for the kids and we had fun reminiscing all the painting we have done together in our home the last 5 years. He gives me a hard time that I can't just choose a normal paint color instead every time it is some kind of faux finish or extreme design.

The bed is a $49 dollar unfinished bed from IKEA that I hand painted silver and then crackle painted in turquoise and the silver shows through. I bought about 8 different quilts and duvets and finally found the perfect duo.

We opted to get her a memory foam mattress because she sleeps SO WELL on our Temperpedic but NO WAY is hers a TEMPERPEDIC... I am not that crazy! But what was crazy, was how the mattress showed up at our door...

This is how it unpacked and looked normal all within 90 seconds...

The gorgeous sage green chandelier was repainted by Blake at 10 PM at night... now talk about dedication right!?!?!? He knew how obsessed I was with the room and was happy to help me in the evenings.

I am glad we know all our neighbors or they would have thought we were NUTS!!!﻿

﻿﻿

The diamonds were one of the many finishing touches and took me about 3 evenings to complete. I would rush home at 5PM and try to get a coat done before Blake would get home with the kids.

﻿﻿﻿I couldn't be happier with the way all the final touches came together and was so excited to show Addie her BIG GIRL BED!!!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

At 26-27 months, we were confident Addie was ready for the move to the BIG GIRL bed after sleeping in a regular one dozens of nights all summer while we were traveling. About a month ago, she suddenly started consistently waking up crying in the middle of the night for no reason and Blake was actually the one that said, "let's do it!" He thought she was ready. I put my reservations of her new found freedom and ability to climb out of her bed every night to be suddenly woken up with a 2 year old right in front of my face aside and said OK! So on September 8, 2010 at 27.5 months of age, this beautiful girl spent her very last night in her beautiful crib!

Too bad I wasn't thinking after bath that night when she choose her own pajamas which make the pictures themselves memorable... her brother's Spiderman PJ top and his CARS bottoms!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Last week, this picture, had only been sent to family and a couple of close friends with the email title of NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE BLOG... but the feedback and amount of laughs received, I decided it had to have it's place in our 2010 Blog Book for future reference when we are looking for some great pictures for Addie's rehearsal dinner slide show in 25 years...

The background story is what makes this funny: The kids had just gotten out of the bath and I was trimming Carter's nails in his room while Addie was supposed to be in her room getting panties and her PJ's on. And above is how she returned﻿. I was just snapping a pic of the outfit since I thought that was funny in itself and I said, "OK ADDIE 1, 2, 3... STRIKE A POSE!" And this is the result of the 1 picture I took. I seriously do NOT know where she got this pose striking knowledge except maybe from way back here!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Earlier this week I decided to make a special breakfast for the kids before they woke up. They were so excited about Cinnamon Streusel Muffins a.k.a CUPCAKES that I had to think fast to come up with a reason as to why they got this special unhealthy breakfast randomly that morning (as not to make it a normal request every single morning in the future.)

Addie was holding her baby named Marcie, who has quickly become a full fledged member of the Brown family, jumping up and down at the thought of CUPCAKES at 7:30 in the morning and I found my out... it suddenly became "Baby Marcie's 1st Birthday Party" and since we all get big special breakfasts complete with hats and decorations, we had to do the same for Marcie! So Happy Birthday Baby Marcie on your new birthday of September 22! I am anxious to see how much you grow over the next year....

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Search This Blog

Delaney's Milestones

2 Month Well Check Up: 11 lbs & 11 oz (58%) height : 23 inches (73%) head:15.4 (71%) McCray said she was perfect. Continuing waking up every 5-6 hours at night completely due to my comfort. Dr encouraged me not to wake up and pump instead. Still I having perfect nights sleeping hard since birth.

WEIGHT GAIN: at 5.5 weeks weighed 10 pounds at lactation center. At 7 weeks, weighed 11 Lbs 8 oz. Tremendous growth in last 2 weeks. Moved out of Newborn diapers at 6.5 weeks, should have moved up 2 weeks prior!

Hates PACIFIER - since 5 weeks

SLEEPING: 7 hours at 3 days old. She has always had nights down going 4-5 hour stretch since 2 weeks old, 5 hour stretches regularly at 3-4 was old and 6 hour stretches by 5-6 weeks. At 7 weeks old, have to wake her up after 6 hours because of nursing. During day going 2-2.5 hrs getting 9-10 feelings in a day

SMILES: started at 3 weeks during Easter weekend when YaYa talked to her. Much more regular at 5 weeks and on demand starting at 6 weeks for sure,

One Month Check Up Stats: 9.1 pounds (42%) height: 21.5" (64%) head circum: 14.6" (61%): Dr. McCray said she looks perfect and not concerned at all about lower % since birth since sleeping upwards of 4-5 hours in between feedings.

Schedule at 1 month: eating 7 to 8 times a day. Every 3 hours at most during day, going 2 stretches of 4-5 hours at night. Has never fused going to bed after 10 pm feeding thru 7 AM feeding, doesn't ever take pacifier at night thus far. Most fidgety time of day 7:30 to 9:30 likes to me held or sleeps those 2 hours in bed with us but then 100% fine at next feeding. Goes to sleep instantly after 3 nighttime feelings and stays awake for 45 to 90 min after each daytime feeding before napping until next feeding.

First smile to YaYa and Aunt Julie Easter Weekend at 3 weeks old, lots more smiles right at 1 month old

Weighed 7 pounds 9 oz at 3 day check up at doctor's appt, back up to 7 lbs & 12 pz just 3 days later at 1 week check

ADDIE

2.5 years old

Addie's Milestones in 2012 (3.5-4.5 years old)

March 8'm2013 - became a big sister to Delaney. She was actually excited at hospital mad in first week seemed not too interested in Delaney. We didn't push it and then she started bringing drawings for the baby home from school and in second week started wanting to hold and touch her more. At 11 days old, she was excited to show her off to all her friends at school. At first I was concerned but then Blake pointed out she has been on her best behavior, hasn't been acting out at all and is still 100% the same... She is still our awesome little Addie!

March 2013 @ 4 years and 10 months, decided she wanted to get her ears pierced (see blog post)

February 2013: first kiss (see blog post)

January 2013: loves that she learned how to both snap and whistle this month. She is so proud of both new talents

January 2013- She is fully obsessed with her hair, headbands and wanting to wash her hair every night. she will sit in her room and brush it, ask me to braid it all the time. she has slept in a headband for the past 2-3 weeks. her favorite headband is one from Macy from Gymboree with Ladybugs across the top.

Medical Update- Jan 1, 2013 while in Breckenridge. While there, developed common cold that due to her asthma turned into full blown asthma attack, we treated with 3 doses of steroid and albuteral every 3-4 hours. 10 days later, cough gone but she complained of ear hurting whike at school, took her in immediately to find slight ear infection in left ear, treated with 10 days of 2x/antibiotic. she was fine following day and it best mood ever for following week!

December 2012: 4.5 years old. GREAT great age for Miss Addie B. she just started randomly talking constantly about a boy from her school in her neighboring class- Brady. His twin brother, Owen, is in her class and they all play alot.

November 2012: Right at 4.5- her favorite things are stuffed dogs and SPARKLES. Everyday she comes home with rhinestones or sequins that they find at school. the other 3 girls in her class; Bella, Sophia and Amara even bring them from home to exchange. Her Christmas list this year includes: 1) Sparkles 2) Pink Wallet 3) Stompeez house shoes 4) Pink unicorn 5) Barbie "Rocktar" Guitar. Her other favorite gifts: frilly pink Princess nighgown and 2 Hallmark Storytime talking dogs- Nugget and Jingle

May 2012: 4 Year Old Checkup Weight 36 lbs (59%) & height 39.5" (46%)

Jan 2012 - Turned completely OFF the kid's room audio and visual monitors in our bedroom. Addie was 3 yrs & 8 months and Carter - right at 5. We haven't turned it on once since then although it still sits atop our dresser. Kid's know not to get out of room except for one bathroom trip and must stay in until clock says 7. On rare occasions one may come in if not feeling well to let us know. (Jan 2012)

Nick Names Over The Years

Carter

"Our Athlete"

Carter's Milestone's Since Turning 5 (2012)

December update: Carter thriving in DL Spanish immersion class. He comes everyday telling us a new Spanish word. His little accent when he talks is amazing. All semester Carter has excelled in math and his teacher has recommended testing for GT after holidays. Almost 6 years old

November: Carter started very first season of flag football. he is defintely a natural and lives getting the flags. He has practice 2X a week in addition to a game on Sundays.- Almost 6

October: Carter in the middle of his first semester of Kids Choir at church. he looks forward to attending but isn't as into singing the songs outside of class as Addie is. I think it is helping him come out of his shell a little more as the lime light, except on thesports field, has never been Carter's thing- 5.5 yrs old

August 27, 2012: Carter at 5.5 years old started the Spanish Dual Language class at Vineyard Ranch with Mrs. Mori. In his room, three of his friends from Concordia, Cash McPeak, Addison Pol and Brooke Volz. Absolutely loved his first week!

At 5.5 Years old, started playing first ever baseball season at JCC with six and seven year olds. It was so cool watching him learn the game for the first time ever, never really playing even tball before, besides in the backyard. (Summer 2012)

At 5 years & 1 month: Playing in third year of Winter basketball, playing in SPURS league with the Kindergarden and First Grade League. He is doing great, high scorer and top rebounder even if they are all 5-8 inches taller. He is REALLY into writing anything and everything he can right now. He is also really into addition and subtraction and loves playing math games on IPAD.

Nick Names Over The Years

Carter's Questions

Carter asked Megan Perkins, "How is that baby going to get out of you?" - 38 months

Why do I have to sleep at night?

Why do you have to go to work, daddy?

Why do whales have blow holes?

My Favorite Parenting & Other Books

Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker. (February 2015) Read when Carter was 8. So many topics it covers but amazing everyday reminders on importance of our relationship when they are young, from affection to how they change in the tween years, teaching them how to communicate their feelings, how to talk to them to get them to open up, bullying, video games, importance of relationship with father, so much. Glad I read now but need to re-read every 2-3 years, especially when he is 11 or 12.

Books To Read To Kids: It's Not the Stork - Plan to read to them when they start asking, "How are babies born?" Body part questions, body changes, how babies are made (sperm/egg - first intro that it's not the stork), 2 mommy /daddy questions, adoption, "okay" touches and "not okay" - haven't used as of Feb 2015 at ages 8 and almost 7

Books To Read To Kids: Good Pictures Bad Pictures - Porn Proofing Today's Young Kids - When to read depends on personality of each kid. Read Ch 1 only with CB when he was 7.5 and it brought about some good questions about why there is this danger. I could tell this was all brand new to him and focused on importance of him telling me any time anyone talks about or want sot show him "bad pics." My plan is to bring in back out in 9-12 months (March-July 2015) to re-visit to ensure we are starting to have very open lines of communication. As far as Addie, unless she shows other signs or starts asking ANY questions, I plan to introduce to her at 8 years old.

Books to Read To Kids: I Said No! - A Kid to Kid Guide to keeping private parts private: I think think this one is perfect for mature 6 yr olds and all 7 year olds. *Perfect book to read before they have any playdates or sleepovers.

Books To Read To Kids: Your Body Belongs To You - Read to CB at 7.5 and AB at 6yrs. It was pretty elementary for them both but good concept and to actually start talking about - "specifically if anyone ever tries to touch you and begs you not to tell" you say okay and come right to mom and dad. ***Keep for DB and introduce to her around 4.5-5 yrs old. (July 2017)

Simplicity Parenting- Sept 2012 Good reminders on what excess and clutter can do to children and families and how it can cause too many choices and create entitlement. Taught me to me more aware as they get older to "soul fever" and teach them to pull back.

5 Love Languages For Kids. Aug 2102. Initially, I believe Carter is quality time and physical touch and Addie is words of affirmation(ages 5.5 and 4)

Too Busy For Your Own Good - Confirms I am handling busy life well but gives great reminders about staying in balance and the importance of getting rid of stress by handling life well so that you lead an all around happy life.

Raising Girls - great reminders of what today young girls are facing (need to re-read when Addie 5 & 6 yrs again) Christian views on raising a confident young girl and setting her expectations how how men should treat her. Somewhat old fashion mentality but overall important reminders

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child-great for Carter and reminding us how to approach sensitive children

Baby Whisper - Before Carter Was Born (Thanks to Ali and random book she mailed me when she found out I was pregnant with Carter!) SIMPLY THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!

Things I Have Learned as a Mom

Don't tell them not do something if it really isn't a big deal, it really only does cause them to do it 10X more. EX) 4/11 They were playing in the bath tub pretending to buy drinks and they were asking for "Diet Coke" out of the blue. I told them they don't drink Diet Coke, how about water, milk or lemonade? For the next 30 min, every other word was Diet Coke.

There are still occassional really rough evenings with a 3.5 year old and 2 year old

Weekends away as a couple are so very important and it is equally important for the bond to form between toddlers and grandparents while we are away - Early 2010

Parenting 2 little kids full time can defintley but strain on a strong marriage at times - Carter 3 and Addie 1.5

There are REALLY REALLY rough days and nights with 2 under 3 - late 2009

Follow that inner mommy intuition ALWAYS! - After 4 nights of Addie being extremely fussy while molars breaking through with NO temperature. Took her in at 8:30 PM and had ear infection at 15 months.

Potty trainning a boy is filled with lots of "ups and downs!" - Carter at 2.5 years

A Family Vacation is not really a "vacation" with a 1 and 2 year old but still very fun!

I couldn't have 2 children as close together if I didn't have such a hands on and involved husband... SERIOUSLY.

Consistent and lots of positive reinforcements works well between 12-24 months!

No matter how close together you have 2 children or the fact that you try to do everything exactly the same... your children are completely different people and have their own personalities!

4 oz of formula coming out seems like a LOT more than 4 oz going in (The first time Addison was sick with stomach virus)

You can get a 2 year old to happily do anything for a popsicle and sticker - (Potty training Carter at 24 months)

Don't give into a toddler when he doesn't want to eat any meat for a week (Carter at 15 months) They will give in if you keep giving them what you want them to have!

Allow them to "talk" or slightly "fuss" in the middle of the night, 90% of the time, they will put themselves back to sleep (When Carter was 3 months old; duplicated with Addie)

Why are we blogging?

We are so glad you stopped by. There are 3 purposes of us blogging.

The first and foremost reason is to keep our out-of-town family & friends updated on the activities of our family. Since we have had this blog, we're able to stay connected with the kids & their everyday happenings in all of our lives. Blake & I realize how fast time is going by and don't want distance in miles to keep our families separated.

The second reason is to keep our in-town family & friends updated. In this crazy and fast-paced world, it is easy to miss important and not so important, however, meaningful moments in all of our lives. After reading a friend's blog, I cannot tell you how many times I have picked up the phone and called someone that lives down the street and said... "Now tell me more... I didn't know that was going on!"

Finally, I see this new technology as a perfect way to document our family's actions on a weekly basis through the years. I will turn each year's "jounal" into a hard back book and look forward to surprising Carter and Addison on their wedding day with 25+ voulumes of everything they ever did, documented! I would love if I had that to look back on now that I am a parent!